Wishing you a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration. May all your dreams come true in 2012!

~ Aimee

And do you know why? Because I’ve finally taken the plunge into the magnificent, dangerously addictive depths of Pinterest. This is a world of inspiration, imagination, and creative sharing you can’t help but love. Tune in and follow me here. Happy pinning!

What a magical day it has been… Wishing you the gifts of beauty, laughter, & love. Merry Christmas! ~Aimee

It’s Christmas Eve! My goodness. For what it’s worth, I’m feeling less stressed and more festive since last we spoke. If you are still looking for a bit of holiday spirit, perhaps try these spirits. (The name is silly, but they’re good).

Rudolph’s Nose

1 ounce vodka

1/2 ounce triple sec

1 ounce cranberry juice

1 ounce cherry juice

fresh raspberries

champagne or sparkling wine

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and cherry juice. Shake then pour into a champagne flute.

2. Add 2/3 raspberries into the glass, top with a splash of sparkling wine or champagne.

(Please drink and drive responsibly).

Talk about amazing… Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a very talented woman with a remarkable home. Miss Kandi has a fantastic eye, not just for decorating, but the architectural details as well. Between her creative vision and her husband’s proficiency in carpentry, there is little they cannot accomplish. Perhaps my most favorite feature of their 1904 home is the kitchen’s fireplace (bottom right), followed closely by the second set of stairs, which would have been originally used by the house staff.

Thank you again Miss Kandi!

Generally speaking, I am a pretty peppy person. But this holiday business is beginning to wear me a bit thin. After a particularly rough Monday and a plentiful To Do list still lingering in front of me, I thought I would take a time-out for a bit of holiday cheer.

Check out this charming creation from Angela Hardison. Just what the doctor ordered.

I don’t know about you, but life sure has me moving at full speed these days. Stay tuned for more holiday fun to come!

This image was featured on Desire To Inspire’s most recent Pets on Furniture post. Love it!

This store is an absolute treasure. Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers is a remarkable resource for handcrafted gifts that are made in the US. Gorgeous jewlery, ceramics, carved wood, blown glass… the list goes on! What I probably love most about this store is the sense that I am connecting with each artisan through their creative work. Truly beautiful.

Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers are located at 16 & 18 North Main Street in Concord, and can be found online here.

Just tuning in? Welcome to another post in a series related to shopping locally for the holidays. Next up, bona fide green goods (visit them in person at 35 South Main Street in Concord, or online here). Bona fide is an exceptional resource for all things green and sustainable. From jewlery and clothing to kitchenware and gifts, bona fide is chockfull of stuff that will make you feel good. Want to know how you can be greener? Visit their website today to learn how.

Another phenomenal local resource is Cobblestone Design Company. Located at 89 Fort Eddy Road in Concord, Cobblestone is my go-to florist. These gentlemen have a remarkable sense of style, and merchandise their store beautifully. Whether you are looking for a special gift, floral arrangement, or simply a retail pick-me-up, Cobblestone is worth the visit. Access their website here - these pictures hardly do them justice!